COMPUTER users across Worcester are now surfing the internet faster after becoming switched on to the latest internet technology.

Worcester broadband campaigner Dr Brian Gladman met city MP Mike Foster and British Telecom staff to mark the launch of the high-speed service at BT's Bromyard Road exchange, yesterday.

Dr Gladman was determined to break the city's technological divide, which had left St John's as the only area unable to access asymmetrical digital subscriber lines. ADSL delivers the internet between 10 to 40 times faster than ordinary connections and does not block phone lines.

Following a campaign in the Evening News and a 7,000-leaflet drop to persuade people to register an interest in the service, the area's trigger level of 350 was finally hit.

It meant BT was assured there was enough customer demand and the technology was finally installed on Wednesday.

"Broadband access brings cost-effective, high-speed access to businesses and home users in the area," said Dr Gladman.

"I'd like to encourage everyone in St John's to consider how they can exploit this important new service to secure the business, professional, educational and leisure benefits it can offer."

Worcester's four exchanges, St John's, Central, Fernhill Heath and St Peter's, are now able to access broadband's high-speed ADSL links which, among other things, makes it easier to download large files and graphics.

Mr Foster said he was delighted to see for himself where the new technology was housed and how it would benefit the area.

"These new facilities will definitely help our city to enjoy all the benefits of economic growth and social prosperity that are associated with new wave communications," he said.

Frank Mills, BT's West Midlands regional director, said 9,700 customers could now potentially benefit from the new exchange's service.